Broncos facing deadline waive veteran WR Josh Reynolds.
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The Denver Broncos, facing a deadline to activate wide receiver Josh Reynolds from injured reserve, opted to waive the eight-year veteran on Tuesday.
Reynolds, designated to return from injured reserve on Nov. 13, needed to be added to the 53-man roster this week or remain on injured reserve. With two rookies now firmly in the receiver rotation alongside second-year player Marvin Mims Jr., the Broncos decided to release him.
If Reynolds clears waivers on Wednesday, the Broncos could re-sign him to their practice squad. Otherwise, he will become a free agent, free to join any team.
Josh Reynolds recorded 12 catches for 183 yards and a touchdown over five games before fracturing his finger on Oct. 6 during a touchdown catch against the Las Vegas Raiders. After signing a two-year, $9 million contract with the Broncos in March, Reynolds will receive $4.245 million guaranteed for his short stint with the team.
Broncos head coach Sean Payton, who described Reynolds’ return to practice on Nov. 13 as “good to have [him] back,” has since praised the emergence of rookies Devaughn Vele and Troy Franklin. Vele ranks second among the team’s wide receivers in receptions (33) and receiving yards (377).
Marvin Mims Jr. also had a standout performance in Monday’s win over the Cleveland Browns, tallying 105 yards on three catches, including a 93-yard touchdown—the Broncos’ longest scoring play of the season.
Reynolds, who has been on injured reserve since his hand injury, was also injured in an October shooting in Denver, sustaining non-life-threatening injuries to his head and left arm. Police later arrested two suspects, Burr Charlesworth, 42, and Luis Mendoza, 35, charging them with multiple felonies, including six counts of first-degree attempted murder and assault.
Reynolds has not publicly commented on the incident.
